4 Best Garden Workshop Suppliers for Getting the Size and Layout Right in 2026

Compare four garden workshop suppliers in 2026 and learn how to choose the right size, layout, and features to create a practical, well-designed outdoor workspace.

After decades helping people choose timber garden buildings, I still see buyers choose a building before working out how their bench, machinery and storage will fit. A dedicated garden workshop is a substantial purchase in 2026. I measure the work first, then match the building to those numbers.

We rank 1st Choice Leisure Buildings as our top pick for homeowners in the UK wanting experienced help matching a workshop to their tools, insulation needs and site constraints. The family business offers practical advice informed by my years in the trade since 1979, with a showroom at Sutton Green near Guildford. Project Timber is the strongest alternative for straightforward online ordering of standard buildings; Nordic Timber Buildings suits Midlands buyers needing stock alterations or a full bespoke service.

For DIY, woodworking, hobbies or equipment storage, these 11 measurements help settle workshop size and layout before buying. The four suppliers that follow offer different combinations of range depth, sizing advice, bespoke flexibility, viewing, installation and experience.

At a glance: which supplier matches your workshop brief

Provider	Best for
1st Choice Leisure Buildings	Expert-guided purchase, bespoke sizing and in-person viewing
Project Timber	Straightforward online ordering of standard size timber workshops
Nordic Timber Buildings	Midlands buyers wanting stock alterations or a full bespoke service
Olympian Garden Buildings	Cheshire and North West buyers wanting an experienced local installer

11 measurements that decide how big your garden workshop needs to be

Start with a tape, a notepad and your largest tools’ dimensions. These 11 steps help establish a workable size, with metric measurements first and imperial in brackets where useful.

Measurement 1: available garden space, access and maintenance clearance

Measure the available ground, then subtract maintenance space and access for panels and roof sections. Where possible, I allow 400 mm to 500 mm (about 16 in to 20 in) at the sides and rear for painting and airflow.

In England, permitted development normally limits overall height to 2.5 m within 2 m of a boundary. Further away, dual pitched roofs can reach 4 m and other roofs 3 m, with eaves limited to 2.5 m. Other conditions apply, including conservation area and listed building restrictions. Subsequent additions and outbuildings must not cover more than 50 percent of the land around the original house, excluding its footprint. There is no universal 1 m planning setback. Planning and building control are separate; The Building Regulations 2010 provide the building control framework. Check local guidance before fixing the footprint, particularly outside England, where rules differ.

Measurement 2: workbench width, depth and height

Measure bench width along the wall, depth and working height. A general bench of 1,800 mm by 600 mm (6 ft by 2 ft) suits many tasks; woodworking may benefit from 750 mm depth (about 2 ft 6 in).

Allow for vices. They can project 100 mm to 150 mm (4 in to 6 in), with extra room for handle movement. I generally allow 900 mm to 1,000 mm (about 3 ft to 3 ft 3 in) standing space, more for two users. Around 900 mm bench height suits much standing work, lower for heavy planing and higher for detail. Check window sill height too.

Measurement 3: machinery footprints at rest

Record each machine’s full footprint, including its stand, wheels and extraction connections. Table saws, bandsaws, planer thicknessers, lathes, pillar drills and compressors occupy more floor than their bodies alone suggest.

Measure the widest points, allowing for cabinet doors, mitre saw handle movement and extraction hoses. Scale drawings cut into movable cards make layout testing easier. Three large machines will not necessarily share 2 m of wall, and sheet timber or long-board racking needs its own measured footprint.

Measurement 4: machinery operating clearances in use

Working clearance can double a machine’s space requirement. Mark infeed, outfeed and operator positions separately from the resting footprint; this is where many undersized workshops fail.

A table saw occupying 1 sq m may need 2.5 m to 3 m clear front and rear for an 8 ft board. Mitre saws need side clearance, lathes need room around the chuck and tailstock, and planers need straight feed paths. Follow machine instructions when setting these zones; I use 800 mm to 900 mm walkways as layout examples, not universal safety minima. Seek supplier or professional advice on floor strength, weight distribution and dust control rather than assuming a timber floor’s capacity.

Measurement 5: workshop door width, height and clear opening

Measure everything that must enter: a table saw on its stand, ride on mower, future lathe or plywood sheet measuring 2,440 mm by 1,220 mm (8 ft by 4 ft).

Use the clear opening between frames or open leaves. A nominal 1,200 mm double door may provide only 1,100 mm clear. For machinery moves, I prefer double doors or a wide single door, a low threshold and a straight approach. Check height for tall cabinets and trolley-mounted extractors, then discuss ramps, floor junctions, security and weather sealing before ordering.

Measurement 6: window placement, natural light and ventilation

Place windows around the work. Light over or beside a bench helps marking out, while high level windows leave wall space for tool storage.

Avoid low western sun glaring into your eyes at machines. Opening windows or vents at opposite ends help ventilation, though dusty processes and finishes also need appropriate extraction. Account for shading from trees and fences, keep a solid wall run for racking, and put daylight where you work most. Useful natural light also reduces daytime lighting demand.

Measurement 7: ceiling, eaves and ridge height for comfort and kit

Measure internal eaves and ridge heights, allowing for floor build up, insulation and lining. These can take 50 mm to 100 mm from internal dimensions, a noticeable loss in a compact workshop.

Check headroom across the working area, not just beneath the ridge. Bandsaw doors, a pillar drill’s extended quill travel and maximum height, and upright sheet storage need vertical clearance. Overhead storage must leave comfortable headroom. Within 2 m of a boundary, the 2.5 metre overall height limit affects roof pitch and usable loft space.

Measurement 8: tool storage, materials and wall space

Measure storage alongside working space. List wall mounted tools, clamps and chargers, floor standing chests, vacuums and racks, plus overhead jigs and mouldings.

Compare required wall length with doors and windows: a 3 m wall containing a 1.2 m window leaves limited racking space. Units 500 mm to 600 mm deep consume floor quickly in a 2.5 m wide workshop. Keep a sheet and bar storage bay near the door where possible. A growing storage list is a reason to consider a larger building rather than a separate store later.

Measurement 9: electrics, heating, insulation and internal layout

Count simultaneous machine use, extraction, lighting, chargers, kettle and heater loads, then place sockets so leads avoid walkways. A bench with a pillar drill, grinder and charging station can need four to six double sockets.

Electrical and heating choices affect cable routes, consumer unit position, insulation and heater clearances. Use a qualified electrician and appropriate supplier or professional advice for circuit design and ventilation. Keep cables away from planned racking fixings. Insulation and lining alter wall thickness, window reveals and door details, so decide on them before fixing bench positions; heating and ventilation also matter for comfortable colder-month use.

Measurement 10: future proofing for the next machine

Most serious users add equipment. Draw in the next two purchases, whether a larger saw, second bench, spray area or storage for bikes and garden kit.

Where space and planning allow, I favour a spare bay or 10 to 15 percent spare floor area and one spare wall run. This leaves room to move benches, add extraction or create a finishing corner. A generous layout can accommodate more users’ needs. In a tight garden, consider vertical storage only with suitable design approval, alongside better lighting and a clear centre. Buying exactly for today can leave little room to grow.

Measurement 11: access path, slope, base and delivery constraints

Measure the whole delivery route: gates, paths, turns, steps, slopes, overhead wires and soft lawn. Long rigid panels, purlins and glass may not pass through a tight L shaped alley, even when the building fits the plot.

Check base fall with a long level; 50 mm across 3 m can affect doors and drainage. Establish parking, material staging and waste arrangements. A solid level base, typically concrete or paving on a compacted sub base, must be ready before installation. Get the supplier’s base tolerances in writing to avoid redelivery fees or rushed changes of position.

Our selection criteria

I judge practical workshop fit rather than brochure claims. These are the criteria behind the four choices.

Range depth for genuine workshop use

Heavy duty framing, useful eaves heights, wide doors and insulated options should suit machinery as well as storage.

Help with sizing and layout

Good advice covers bench dimensions, machine clearances, door openings and site constraints before a quote.

Bespoke and alteration options

I favour stock alterations or bespoke services on selected models for gardens that need an unusual footprint.

Viewing, delivery and installation

In-person viewing helps assess construction, while delivery and assembly terms should be clear for your range and location.

Track record and regional fit

Years trading, installation experience and location matter when choosing a supplier for delivery and ongoing support.

The 4 best garden workshop suppliers for getting the size and layout right

Your measurements now form a brief covering floor area, height, doors, insulation and base position. Each supplier below suits a different approach, with my top recommendation first.

#1. 1st Choice Leisure Buildings - best for expert-guided purchase, bespoke sizing and in-person viewing

An advice-led option for turning your measurements into a suitable size, layout and specification.

The garden workshops from 1st Choice Leisure Buildings include heavy duty ranges for bench work and machinery, plus insulated options for regular year round use. Its practical guidance on dimensions, doors, access and construction fits the measurement-led approach here. Selected models can be built to bespoke sizes and layouts, helping accommodate non standard gardens and working requirements.

The Surrey showroom near Guildford and Woking lets you compare available buildings before committing. Seeing headroom, door swing and construction answers questions photographs cannot. Delivery and professional assembly are available, with terms depending on range and location. I recommend this route when you want an experienced eye on your plan.

Pros

• Family business; my own experience in garden buildings started in 1979

• Heavy duty and insulated ranges suited to serious workshop use

• Bespoke sizing on selected models for awkward footprints and layouts

• Showroom viewing to assess quality, headroom and doors

• Delivery and professional assembly available

Cons

• A trip to the Surrey showroom may be less convenient for buyers outside the South East

• Bespoke sizing applies only to selected models, so establish suitable ranges before planning around it

Who it is best for: anyone setting up a home workshop who wants experienced guidance on machinery, insulation and site limits, with the option to see buildings in person.

#2. Project Timber - best for straightforward online ordering of standard size timber workshops

An online route for buyers who have measured their space and settled on a size.

Project Timber Limited is a UK registered company at Parry Works in Sutton-on-Trent near Newark, Nottinghamshire. Its product led approach suits buyers with workshop dimensions, doors and layout already decided. For a standard footprint, online ordering can work well if you are comfortable managing base preparation, access and assembly arrangements.

Have clear openings, eaves height and storage runs settled on paper before ordering. Keep base tolerances, delivery access and aftercare questions together so the specification matches your site.

Pros

• UK registered company based in Nottinghamshire

• Online ordering for buyers with measurements and specifications settled

• Suits standard footprints needing no design alterations

Before ordering

• Match the product’s finished internal dimensions to your machinery operating zones

• Record delivery, base and assembly responsibilities in the quotation

Who it is best for: buyers wanting a straightforward online order for a standard size workshop after completing their layout.

#3. Nordic Timber Buildings - best for Midlands buyers wanting design alterations or a full bespoke service

A flexible option for non standard footprints and altered layouts.

Based at Silver End Industrial Estate in Brierley Hill, West Midlands, Nordic Timber Buildings offers stock design alterations and a complete bespoke service based on its own designs. That helps when a drain limits length, a door needs moving for infeed, or tall machinery requires extra eaves height.

Its guidance covers solid level bases and production and delivery timings, useful when managing your own project. Send a scaled plan showing benches, machine working zones and door swings so requested changes address actual clearance needs.

Pros

• Stock alterations and full bespoke commissions for awkward gardens and working layouts

• Production and delivery guidance for scheduling groundworks and installation

• Base preparation guidelines for self-managed site work

• West Midlands location for buyers seeking a supplier in that region

Cons

• Buyers beyond the West Midlands should establish delivery and installation coverage for their postcode

Who it is best for: Midlands buyers needing alterations or a bespoke building to accommodate their measured layout.

#4. Olympian Garden Buildings - best for Cheshire and North West buyers wanting an experienced local installer

A local option for buyers who value fitting experience and product advice.

Olympian Garden Buildings is based on Moston Road in Sandbach, Cheshire. It reports over twenty five colleagues, most with more than ten years at the business, and thousands of buildings designed, made and installed. Its directors and team offer product guidance for customers choosing a building.

That experience is relevant to door handing, bench-light window placement and siting for access and maintenance. Bring your 11 measurements, including route widths and base levels, to keep discussions practical. Establish coverage, lead times and assembly inclusions for your address.

Pros

• Established regional installer reporting thousands of installations

• Experienced team, according to the company, for siting and selection advice

• Local option for Cheshire and North West buyers

• Customer advice when choosing between designs

Cons

• Buyers outside Cheshire and the North West should check coverage before shortlisting

Who it is best for: Cheshire and North West buyers wanting an experienced local team to supply and install their workshop.

Frequently asked questions about garden workshop size and layout

Should I keep my garden workshop under 2.5m high to avoid planning permission?

Often, if it is within 2 m of a boundary in England: 2.5 m is the permitted development overall height limit there. Further away, roof-dependent ridge limits apply, with eaves still capped at 2.5 m. Other conditions, conservation areas and listed status matter, so check with your council.

Should I leave a gap between my garden workshop and the boundary?

I generally allow 400 mm to 500 mm for painting, airflow and gutter access. England has no universal 1 m planning setback, but building control has separate exemption and fire considerations for combustible buildings near boundaries. Consult the fire safety provisions set out in the schedules to the Building Regulations rather than treating planning height limits as fire safety approval.

Should I worry about the 50 percent garden coverage rule for my garden workshop?

Check it early in England. Combined subsequent additions and outbuildings must not exceed 50 percent of the land around the original house, excluding its footprint. Extensions, sheds and greenhouses count; even a large corner plot can approach the limit. Measure the relevant land, not only the lawn.

Should I measure machinery clearances before I choose a workshop size?

Yes. Resting footprints do not include infeed, outfeed or operator space. Draw full working zones for saws and planers using their instructions, alongside walkways; 800 mm to 900 mm is a layout example, not a universal minimum. Choosing a building first risks an undersized workshop.

Is an insulated workshop worth it if I will work through winter?

For regular year round work, insulation, lining, better doors and appropriate heating and ventilation improve usability and help protect tools and finishes. Allow for reduced internal dimensions and added cost before positioning benches. For occasional summer use, a well ventilated unlined building may suffice.

Is a bespoke garden building size worth it over a standard size?

It can be worthwhile when standard footprints will not fit, or machinery dictates door position and eaves height. Bespoke sizing on selected models avoids wasted space and awkward compromises. Where measurements suit a standard building and access is straightforward, there may be no need for alterations.

Is a wider workshop door worth it for sheet materials and machinery access?

Yes, for full sheets, wheeled machinery and bulky equipment. Measure clear opening rather than nominal size; double doors can help where space allows. A low threshold and straight approach make loading easier. Settle ramp details, security and weather sealing at specification stage.

Which garden workshop supplier is right for you

My recommendation is 1st Choice Leisure Buildings for measured guidance, showroom viewing and bespoke sizing on selected models. Project Timber suits a settled standard-size plan and online purchase. Nordic Timber Buildings offers Midlands buyers stock alterations or bespoke work, while Olympian Garden Buildings suits Cheshire and North West buyers seeking an experienced local installer.

I am Robin Antill, and my advice after decades in garden buildings is simple: measure the work, then buy the building. Send me a short note of what you will make or store, the size you are aiming for, your postcode and your budget if you would like practical help picking a workshop and getting a properly specified quote.